'Grateful' Hassan is Exeter's fourth N.H. governor

EXETER — When Maggie Hassan entered public service in 1999, she said she did so as an advocate for families like hers.

Aaron Sanborn

EXETER — When Maggie Hassan entered public service in 1999, she said she did so as an advocate for families like hers.

At that time Hassan, of Exeter, used her experience as a parent to a child with a severe disability and an attorney to serve on then-Gov. Jeanne Shaheen's Advisory Committee to the Adequacy in Education and Finance Commission.

Thirteen years later, Hassan's political career has taken her to the corner office in Concord, where she will take over as the state's next governor in January, replacing popular Democratic Gov. John Lynch, who did not seek re-election after four terms in office.

“I'm grateful for the trust the people of New Hampshire have put in me,” Hassan said during a phone interview on Wednesday night.

With the campaign behind her, the newly elected governor says the hard work is now ahead. Hassan said she is putting together a transition team and over the next few months will focus on putting together action plans for her top priorities.

Hassan said her top priorities remain her innovation plan focusing on investing in education and job training, and to restore funding to the state university and community college system.

“Funding for the university system is something we're going to focus on right away, and that will be a part of the transition plan we do,” Hassan said. “We have to work together to find a way to achieve that goal. It's important for all of New Hampshire and Granite Staters want it to work.”

Hassan and other candidates elected on Election Day all stressed the importance of both parties coming together in the next two years to find common ground. Hassan believes that goal is more achievable now with the new make-up of the House and Senate following Tuesday's election.

Preliminary election results show House Democrats regaining the majority by a 222-178 margin, while Senate Republicans will only maintain a 13-11 advantage.

“What the voters did on (election night) was to send a message that they want to continue in the direction that Gov. John Lynch started in the state,” Hassan said.

Hassan and Lynch are discussing the transition that will take place in January, when Hassan is inaugurated.

The two met Thursday morning and told reporters they expect a seamless transition. Hassan said she was thrilled to have Lynch's support and help.

“I think what you're going to see is a renewed sense of non-partisanship that had previously been a part of our political culture,” Hassan said.

Hassan said she can understand if some people are skeptical about the two parties working together, given recent history. She thinks the tough economy and state budget issues tested both parties but believes the message voters sent by the change in power in the N.H. House will serve as a wake-up call to both parties.

“What I know is that Granite Staters want it to work. We want to solve problems; we're an all-hands-on-deck kind of state,” she said. “I think the country and state have experienced major problems that have tested us some, but what I know is (election night) the voters restored a significant amount of balance to the state.”

Hassan said the upcoming budget process will be one of the biggest challenges of her first year in office. During her campaign, Hassan entertained the idea of expanded gambling as a revenue source, saying that it's possible to have one high-end, highly regulated casino near the border that would compete with Massachusetts.

Hassan said that's still an option that could be discussed.

“The focus of the first year is a strong budget that serves our priorities and keeps taxes low and that's certainly one option, we have to make sure we have the revenues we need,” she said. “Certainly that will be something I'll consider with my transition team.”

Hassan maintained her pledge of no sales or income tax and said she will also focus her first term on making government more streamlined and effective.

Hassan previously served three terms in the state Senate and resides in Exeter with her husband Thomas, who serves as principal of Phillips Exeter Academy.

Hassan said the hometown support she received was overwhelming.

“The support Exeter has provided me with since I first got elected into politics has been phenomenal,” she said. “It's just been an extraordinary place to live.”

On election night, Hassan defeated Lamontagne in her hometown 5,479-3,123. Hassan received more voters in Exeter than President Barack Obama.

Bob Prior, chairman of the Exeter Democratic Committee, feels the election of Hassan as governor is something the whole town can get behind, regardless of party affiliation.

“Having the governor be from Exeter is a real honor,” he said. “Maggie has had a real presence in Exeter for the last 20 years, not only as senator but as a mom and a member of the church. A lot of people on both sides of the fence know her and like her.”

Hassan will be the state's 81st governor of New Hampshire, the fourth from Exeter. John Taylor Gilman served from 1794 to 1805, and from 1813 to 1816. Federalist Jeremiah Smith served from 1809-1810 and Republican Charles Bell served 1881-1883.

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